Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Music Review




Manafest
Epiphany



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 13 tracks: 47 minutes, 00 seconds
Street Date: July 19, 2005


When it comes to Canada and hip-hop, those two words don't normally seem to go well together. However, if one has Trevor McNevan of Thousand Foot Krutch producing their project, then anything coming out of Canada is bound to be of good quality. Ontario-born rapper Chris Greenwood, aka Manafest, was discovered by McNevan and had his debut Epiphany produced by him as well.

Best described as hip-hop with a touch of rock, Manafest may be an artist who's styles and rhythms sound like they've been done before (i.e. Kid Rock, Limp Bizkit, Vanilla Ice's attempt at rapcore). Nevertheless, the listener is treated to a worthy effort that will grow on him with repeated listens.

The majority of the cuts presented on Epiphany relate to the artist's personal struggles and life experiences. The track "Rockin' Me" is a mellow rock/rap song about Greenwood's struggles and pressures of being an artist on and off the stage, while "My Life" has the artist discussing his early grievances of having to deal with the fact that his father committed suicide when he was only 5 years of age. Another noteworthy song is the upbeat, funkadelic "Let It Go," which speaks of situations and circumstances Chris faced while growing up. The true rock vibe of Epiphany strikes a big chord with songs like "Skills" (featuring guest vocals from Trevor McNevan), the raucous, crowd-shaking "Stressed Out," and the non-conformist themed "Be Yourself." What's not surprising is that Manafest takes time out to describe his love not only for God and rock n' roll, but his passion for skateboarding in his song "Manafesto." The remaining tracks on the album speak out on the issues of displaying the wrong stereotypes, trying too hard to be like other people in the world, and Greenwood's metamorphosis of Christ transforming his life into one that pleases the Lord, as reflected in the song "Changes."

The only factor that Epiphany tends to suffer from in a couple of areas is repetitiveness in some of the songs. Fortunately, overproduction and crisp sound quality never poses a problem throughout the album's duration.

As already mentioned, Manafest's debut may take more than a listen or two to fully appreciate his talent and attempts at songwriting. If you're a music fan that isn't too picky on diversity within the confines of an individual project that fuses rock and hip-hop together, than Epiphany is the project for you. However, if you're looking for an album that holds its own in the form of groups like The Cross Movement, Grits, and Mars Ill, then this particular project might be one you'd be better off borrowing from your friend before making a decision on purchasing the record itself. In all fairness, Manafest presents an effort that leaves plenty of room for improving his slight flaws in the coming years.

- Review date: 8/1/05, written by Paul Portell



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

CD

Buy This CD Online


. Record Label: BEC Recordings
. Album length: 13 tracks, 47 minutes and 00 seconds
. Street Date: July 19, 2005
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Rodeo
  2. Skills (featuring Trevor McNevan Of
    Thousand Foot Krutch)
  3. What I Got To Say
  4. Rockin' Me
  5. Not Ready To Die
  6. U Don't Know Me
  7. Quit Thuggin'
  8. Let It Go
  9. Changes
  10. Manafesto
  11. Stressed Out
  12. My Life
  13. Be Yourself
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Friday, September 5, 2025
ALBUMS
A Life Aligned The Light That Failed To Cease (independent)
Philip Anthony A League of My Own (ALOMO) - EP (independent)
Josh Baldwin Full Grown Man, Vol. 1 - EP [Bethel]
bodie NO SKIPS [Provident]
Colony House 77 (Pt. 1) [Roon]
Coqui LIVING 2 DIE - EP [DREAM]
The Gray Havens This Is Not the End (independent)
Forrest Frank CHILD OF GOD II (BACK TO BACK) DELUXE [River House]

SINGLES
Bill B. GOD KNOW ft. TrigNO - Single [Syntax]
Mark Bishop I'm Gonna Do What I Said I'd Do - Single [Sonlite]
Brave Days Friendly Fire - Single (independent)
CalledOut Music Adore You - Single [Integrity]
Michael Carder Where Do I Go From Here - Single (independent)
Charis Music Pressing Through (feat. Hailey Trevino) - Single [NWN]
Darius Mullin & Dre Murray Cash & Burn - Single [Syntax]
Kristene DiMarco Song for My Children - Single [Bethel]
Amanda Janson Sinner to Saint - Single [Pure Mosaic]
JSP It's Not Your Fault - Single (independent)
Tae Lamar Vengeance II (feat. MotionPlus, Propaganda, and m1L) - Single [Polished Arrow]
Patrick Mayberry Everlasting Arms - Single [Provident]
No Vain Glory FLEX - Single [Syntax]
Jemimah Paine Reason - Single [Integrated Music Rights]
R.kitect Tha Deep End - Single [Syntax]
Razzie & theprodigaljoe Man Make Plans - Single [Syntax]
Saints in Exile My Mind is a Prison - Single [Syntax]
Carly Ann Taylor Why Should I Worry (Remind Me Version) - Single [Curb]
Jaci Velasquez, Evan Egerer ¡DALE! Praise - Single [Rixon]
NEEDTOBREATHE Momma Loves Me (feat. The Red Clay Strays) - Single [Omnivore]
Madison Watkins You Won't - Single [Provident]
Wisenheart Well-Worn Door - Single (independent)
Zahriya Zachary Shine n Me (feat. Edward Rivera) - Single [Bethel]

Next Friday, September 12, 2025
ALBUMS
Jervis Campbell Good Grief! (independent)
Demon Hunter There Was A Light Here [Weapons MFG]
Roxanne Grace Try Again [DREAM]
Ellie Holcomb Far Country [Capitol CMG]
Sower Contemporary Christian Machine - EP (independent)
twenty one pilots Breach [Fueled By Ramen]
Phil Wickham Song of the Saints [Fair Trade]

SINGLES
BASECAMP Under the Blood (feat. Knaladeus) - Single [Polished Arrow Music]
Dan Bremnes Find Yourself - Single [Curb]
Matt Hammitt Days God Gave - Single (independent)
Amy Jay Margins - Single (independent)
The Undertaking! Forever Remember - Single (independent)


For all release dates, click here!
 

Join honey and save on online purchases!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images